Very quick question about chicken pox...

[hazeyjane]

... a friend has just asked if she can come round later, her ds has chicken pox. Both my dd's have had chicken pox, and so have I.

I am 15 weeks pregnant, and I'm not sure whether it is ok. I know that I should have immunity, but when I googled it said there is a small risk that immunity wanes.

BTW the first time I had chicken pox, I was very, very ill for weeks - and had it in my throat, on my eyes etc.

Thankyou.

If you definitely have had it, you shouldn't get it again, though there is a small risk. For example, I have had it many times because I cannot make immunity to it. And there is the risk of immunity waning.

Up to 20 weeks there is a risk to the baby you are carrying.

Personally, I wouldn't have them round. For the sake of a few weeks.

have you had bloods done yet? the first ones back should say rubella on them and if it says positive next to it, means you have immunity.

I wouldn't worry. I found out I was pg in the midst of a mass chicken pox outbreak at work (nursery) and was fine.

Slattern, rubella is NOT the chickenpox virus.

CP is not routinely tested for. It is herpes varicella afaik.

Rubella is german measles.

People are far too blase about cp.

It is very dangerous to immunocomprimised people and to people like myself who are pg and cannot make immunity despite having had it and having been vaccinated!

...and it is quite different to be accidentally exposed as you were than to allow someone with it into your home.

Thankyou, I haven't had the results of bloods back yet, and can't remember from last 2 pregnancies!

I think I will probably put her off, I don't think she will mind - although I feel bad because I remember how stir crazy you get when you are stuck in.

I just remember how horrendous it was when I had it before.

You can get it twice but also there is a risk of fetal abnormalities. I don't know at what stage of pregnancy the risk is greatest though.

Also, I may be wrong, but isn't rubella German measles?

Perhaps ring your midwife or nhs direct for some expert advice?

x post with Nicky

ooops, sorry about that! I've got it in my head because the results came back around the time the cp thing was hitting its peak and when I spoke to the GP he said bloods would confirm it.

Thanks for putting me straight ladies.

Sorry OP, take no notice of me! I shall leave you in the capable hands of these more knowledgeable MNers

I've just spoken to her and she was fine about not meeting up, arranged to meet her for a drink in the evening without dcs.

Thankyou for helping make a decision!